SETTING THE PLANTS 



539 



restrict the width of the row to the parent plants, but to culti- 

 vate only one way. 



Red raspberries at 3 feet by 7 or 8 feet for the hedgerow 

 system, or 5 to 6 feet apart each way for the hill system, repre- 

 sent standard practice. The hill system permits cultivation 

 both ways and may reduce hand labor. At the distances given 

 for the hill system only a single horse can be used. De- 

 partures from these recommendations should be governed by 

 the fertility of the soil and the natural vigor of growth of the 

 variety. 



Black raspberries, although they do not sucker, possess a 

 spreading and drooping habit of growth and need more space 

 than might be thought necessary: 4 feet by 8 feet is about 

 right, but some growers prefer 9 or 10 feet between rows. 



The purple varieties are as a rule strong growers and need 

 the maximum distances accorded the black raspberry. This 

 also applies to the blackberry. If grown in hills, however, as 

 it sometimes is, it may be set closer in one direction. The 

 dewberry requires about 3 feet by 7 or 8 feet for the hedgerow 

 system and 5 or 6 feet apart each way in hills, depending on 

 the fertility of the soil. 



8. Setting the Plants. Furrow the rows out in one direc- 

 tion. It will save time to cross-mark them the other way to 

 determine the location of the plants, and to make it possible 

 to cross-cultivate at least during the first season. Do not 

 expose the roots to wind or sun. If the roots are puddled or 

 coated with mud, this gives them added protection. Drop 

 the plants just ahead of the planters, from pails or buckets 

 containing a little mud and water. A dull, cloudy day pro- 

 vides excellent conditions for planting. Put the plants against 

 the straight side of the furrow, cover the roots with soil, firm- 

 ing it with the foot, and turn back the remaining soil with 

 plow or cultivator. It is good practice to set deeply, working 

 the soil back gradually through the season. Do not cover the 

 crowns of tip plants, or layers, of the black raspberry and the 

 purple varieties, as this interferes with their development. 



